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Trends of total cadmium, copper, and zinc in the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) along the upper reach of the St. Lawrence River: 1994—2005

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Abstract

This study examines spatial and temporal variability of bioaccumulation of cadmium, copper, and zinc in tissues of zebra mussels in the upper reach of the St. Lawrence River which originates at the outflow of Lake Ontario. It was hypothesized that concentrations of these metals in mussel tissues would decline over time and decrease with increasing distance from the outlet of Lake Ontario as a result of on-going efforts to reduce contaminant discharges into the lake. Size of mussels was also evaluated as a factor influencing bioaccumulation. Mussels were collected annually in October from six sites from 1994 to 2005, including one site near a local industry. Individuals were grouped into five or more size classes per site in each year. Soft tissues were analyzed for total cadmium, copper and zinc. Concentrations of cadmium and copper in tissues varied significantly both spatially and temporally. Cadmium concentrations were elevated at most sites; copper concentrations were moderately elevated compared with other studies in the Lake Ontario basin and St. Lawrence River. Zinc showed the most uniformity in mussels possibly due to internal regulation and to low levels of environmental exposure. Animal size correlated with copper concentrations of tissues in approximately 30% of samples but infrequently for cadmium and zinc. Cadmium and copper levels were found to decline downstream over time. Inter-annual variability of metal concentrations in mussel tissues suggests utilization in long-term monitoring programs to discern significant trends.

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Acknowledgments

Several undergraduate students assisted with sample collection, preparation, and/or analysis: Daniel Phelps (1995), Mike McCallum (1998), and Justin Hanna (2000). The Environmental Studies Program of St. Lawrence University provided funds for travel to collect samples, for basic supplies, and analysis at the NE Analytic Laboratory. A St. Lawrence University small grant in 2002 facilitated travel to analyze samples at the Water Resources Division of the US Geological Service in Menlo Park where crucial assistance was provided by D. Cain and C. Brown. D Cain, M. Schuckers, and E. Backlund provided helpful advice on approaches to the statistical analysis. Nancy Alessi assisted in preparation of the tables. Carol Cady developed the map in Fig. 1. Appreciation is extended to one anonymous reviewer and the associate editor for valuable suggestions on the draft manuscript.

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  1. Environmental Studies Department, St. Lawrence University, Canton, NY, 13617, USA

    Carolyn Johns

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Johns, C. Trends of total cadmium, copper, and zinc in the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) along the upper reach of the St. Lawrence River: 1994—2005. Environ Monit Assess 184, 5371–5385 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-011-2346-6

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